TITLE: "CATHARSIS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE IMPOSSIBLE"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "While Serenity makes a break for freedom,

Simon Tam at last comes into his own."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"CATHARSIS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara Serra tried not to worry, secretly admiring Zoe's ability to obey. Her unshakable faith in the friend who had accompanied her out of the valley of the shadow of death. Was ever a stronger friendship former? A closer tie than blood? And Simon, willingly going off to do battle against the same government system which had bestowed postion, wealth and honour on his family. At least until River and himself had rebelled. How ugly a science was that now shown to be? Truly, power did corrupt and in this 'verse corrupted absolutely. It pricked her conscience that once she too had been blind to the evil of its' excess, thinking only of how comfortable and glorious her life could be. The rules of the game so elegant but ultimately meaningless.

Mal had put his finger on the pulse of the malady she had refused to acknowledge for so long at the shindig that had led to that ill advised duel. Only Malcolm Reynolds had not died and Atherton Wing had been no gentleman. His courtly ways an affront to every honest man. Fine clothes did not a fine man make nor did the rough earthy life of a transport ship's Captain invalidate a man's worth. And here they were in a pretty fix with Serenity running for Boros while Simon and Mal played chicken with the architect of their predicament. How was it that River could be so calm?